My first viewing of The Partnership for the 21st Century Skills website, especially the Route 21 section, for me was like the scene in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy first step foot in the Technicolor world of Oz- information overload. There were so many resources, videos, and samples for educators to look at, I felt overwhelmed-but in a good way. I am glad to see dedication that is being put into helping our educational system, teachers, and students be successful in learning 21st century skills. I liked how the website explained the interconnection between the core subjects and 21st century skills and support systems. Being an Art educator, and visual learner, loved the visual of the Framework rainbow in the Route 21 section.
I was also very sad to see that Michigan, my state, is not a "21st Century" State. The M.I.L.E. guide and the Route 21 initiative is just the type of program Michigan needs to adopt to insure our students have the skills to successful and perhaps make Michigan viable to our country's economy once again.
I agree that there was a distinct information overload feeling on this site...but I find that I am experiencing that pretty regularly these days...I liken it to when Alice falls down the hole in Alice in Wonderland...there are so many things out there that I never knew about and now I need to integrate them all in to tomorrows lesson! Yikes.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I also saw that there was a "gap" in the specials area, but again that seems to be the way it is. Good thing there are so many sites dedicated to these things outside of the teaching realm. Did you find any decent art information on route 21? I found it a bit difficult to navigate.
I felt the same way when I first logged on to the site. It took me a minute to realize what I was supposed to be looking at and for. I wonder why we don't have information for the specials teachers. They are a very important part of a school day. I miss my specials. We used to have all the specials and then they were taken away when we moved to our new facility. It was amazing what they could do with a 4 year old that we couldn't do. So thumbs up to you!
ReplyDeleteI was disappointed as well when I realized my state, Alaska, was not part of the state initiatives. Both of our states are fighting for their economic lives, for different reasons, but the clear lack of leadership or vision in Alaska is glaringly obvious. My state is very conservative and I feel like it is more reactionary rather than proactive when it comes to educational policy. It is reassuring to know that there is a group out there advocating this position and that they are providing support to help achieve their goals.
ReplyDeleteWhen looking at this detailed agenda, you would think they would hit all teaching disciplines. Hopefully they will add more to the special areas of Art, Music, and P.E.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though the MILE standards are a slow process. The program is basically averaging 2 states per year, and there are so many states that need to jump on. In fact it would be nice for everyone to jump on, so we can develop some educational consistency. We should just let the government step in and press the states to conform.
I did see tech standards that showed some real direction. . We are suppose to use technology in my school, but we have no legit standards. Hopefully, this sis a work in progress to stay for a long time.